West Philadelphia elementary school revitalized in Wells Fargo Day of Caring

Hundreds of volunteers gave West Philadelphia's Rudolph Blackenburg Elementary School a facelift, painting walls and upgrading parts of the building as part of the Wells Fargo Day of Caring.

300 volunteers from Wells Fargo and the nonprofits City Year Philadelphia and Ameri Core came to beautify the school on Oct. 23, CBS Philly reported. These volunteers renovated the gym, library, and offices, Fox Philadelphia reported, and they also painted dozens of colorful murals. Wells Fargo donated most of the supplies, which were tailored to requests from the school’s faculty.

“They asked us for a wish list and we wanted the entryway to our school to look different so as soon as they walk in, we want them to feel that the building just feels different,” Blankenburg Elementary School Principal LeAndrea Hagan told CBS Philly. “It’s everything the school needs in order to get to the next level.”

At the school, located at 46th and Girard Avenue, some of the new murals included Philadelphia sports teams such as the Sixers.

“The very least we can do is provide a warm, exciting and colorful environment for them to come to every day,” Vice President and Executive Director of City Year Philadelphia Darryl Bundrige told Fox Philadelphia.

According to Niche, 15 percent of Blankenburg students scored at or above proficiency in reading and only 3 percent in math on state assessment tests. The faculty of Blankenburg hope the renovations, alongside other changes, will benefit students in the years to come.

“It was beyond needed, it was something we prayed," Hagan told Fox Philadelphia.

Students said the murals brighten up the school's atmosphere, Fox Philadelphia reported.

“Sparkling up the school, it gives the school a little bit of sunshine. I am going to be really excited. A 10 out of 10,” Blankenburg Elementary student Waeiyah told Fox Philadelphia.